How To Tame An Aggressive Dog
Dogs are aggressive out of past experiences- not out of instinct. Dogs become aggressive because they are trained by humans to be mean. Whether humans have continually picked on them, treated them cruelly, or rewarded them for aggressive behavior (a common technique by dog-fighting trainers), ANY BREED of dog can grow to become aggressive. But all dogs can also learn that they dont need to be aggressive. And with a little love all dogs can revert back to their sweet demeanor that they have been bred for hundreds of years to have. But how do you tame down a mad dog? Here are a few steps to teaching any canine how to love again.
Stay calm: Dogs pick up on a variety of emotions. They can sense fear, anger, and nervousness. So when you approach an aggressive dog go in with a confident calm. What do we mean by a confident calm? We mean, breathe deeply, be kind, do not be afraid- and take great effort to show to dog you are neither fearful nor dangerous. Be calm and collected. The dog will pick up on that, and it can make a huge difference in their attitude.
Stay calm: Dogs pick up on a variety of emotions. They can sense fear, anger, and nervousness. So when you approach an aggressive dog go in with a confident calm. What do we mean by a confident calm? We mean, breathe deeply, be kind, do not be afraid- and take great effort to show to dog you are neither fearful nor dangerous. Be calm and collected. The dog will pick up on that, and it can make a huge difference in their attitude.
Move slowly: Aggressive dogs have often had some sort of physical abuse in the past. Whether they have been hit, kicked, or had rocks thrown at them- they are afraid of quick movements. And quick movements can cause them to lash out in self-defense. It is extremely important when being near an aggressive dog to move slowly. This shows them you are not intent on hurting them. That you are kind, and calm- and they shouldnt be afraid. Avoid quick actions, and make an avid attempt to move slowly and cauciously.
Sit on your knees: Sitting on your knees makes you look smaller, and by being smaller you look less intimidating to the dog. When you sit down on your knees, you show the dog you are not a big and scary human- but rather small and approachable.
Let the dog approach you: DO NOT approach an aggressive dog. If they feel cornered, trapped, or chased- they are likely to try to escape or defend themselves physically. Instead, sit no closer than 10 feet away, and let the dog approach you. Extend a hand, which will give the dog a small target to approach without feeling as though they need to come all the way to you.
Let them sniff your hand: When the dog approaches your hand, stay very still and offer words of reassurance in a soft voice. Let them sniff your hand. This allows them to get your scent. Essentially, you will be introducing yourself to the dog.
Let them decide when to be petted: Try moving your hand very slowly. If the dog growls, bites, or runs away- stop moving. Let them know you are not there to hurt them. You are simply trying to pet them. Let the dog sniff your hand again, and let them approach you. Try to move again. For every time they growl- quit moving. Let them know you are not going to do something if they dont want you to. Only move if they show no signs of aggression. If the dog does not growl, attempt to pet them. Move very slowly and pet them softly. Begin by petting them for only a few seconds, and then stopping. Pet them again in a minute or two- and continue the process until they begin to let you pet them for longer periods of time.
Talk softly: Always talk softly. If you have a naturally loud and boisterous voice- make an avid attempt to whisper. When people yell or talk loudly, it often seems threatening to animals. So talk very softly and kindly to the dog. Offer words of reassurance and love.
Reward appropriate behavior with snacks: After your dog has become accustomed to physical affection, begin to reward appropriate behavior with snacks. When your dog approaches you willingly- give them a snack. When your dog shows submission by rolling on their back- give them a snack. When your dog allows other people to come to them without being mean, give them a snack. Rewarding your dog for good behavior, encourages them to avoid aggressive behavior.
Do not fight back: This is a complicated thing to do. BUT if the dog bites you or growls or attempts to snap at you- do not fight back. If the dog is attacking you and will not let go, then you can fight back. But 99% of the time the dog will simply be trying to scare you away by falsely growling, snapping, and biting. They wont actually attack you- theyll just act like theyre going to, to scare you. If your dog is falsely attacking, do NOT fight back. This shows the dog you are not there to hurt them. You are not a bully. Remain calm and collected. When they begin to show aggressive behavior like this, walk away from them. Do not reward them for this behavior by continueing to give them attention. Only work with them when they are calm- not when they are actively biting at you.
